Activity #12

Reflection on Setting Up and Maintaining the Computer Lab

At my new school site is a computer lab with 33 iMac Intel Computers. This was exciting for me

first of all, because now I have a place to take my students where they could all be on the

computer at once. I was also excited because they were Apple computers which I have at home,

and have the most experience with.

There is not a dedicated tech teacher at this school site. Previously, the Special Ed teacher was

maintaining the lab but he did not return this school year. One of my selling points to the

committee that interviewed me was that I would be willing to help run the computer lab. As I

have written about repeatedly, there is no one at the school who is technically inclined, they are

overwhelmingly digital immigrants (Prensky, 2001). So I would not be helping in the lab, I

would be running it.

At the beginning of the year, I was concentrating on returning to the classroom and learning the

new grade level curriculum. But as the weeks went by I knew I needed to open the lab up to the

teachers. I was afraid to really look at it as I didn’t know what to expect. Where the computers

networked together? Were they all working?

I was pleased to find that the lab was in great shape. I literally had to take off the plastic

covers, fire them up, and dust off the keyboards and monitors. They were not networked together

which made it easier to maintain.

So far there have been no real problems. I have had some opportunities to show other teachers

what I am doing in the lab with my students. There is a lot of interest in knowing how to use

programs like PowerPoint, iMovie, and Garageband. I will try and get a PD on banked-time

Tuesdays. If not, I let the other teachers know I would stay after school if there was enough

interest. I am there until 5:00 every day anyway.

The only real maintenance I have had to do is some troubleshooting with the printer and trying to

keep the keyboards etc clean. I take my students in twice a week and often do the routine

maintenance while my students are working on their projects.

Self Assessment

I am learning how to update and maintain a group of computers and encourage the teachers to do

more than access an online math program. I will use the information I know about the curriculum

and how to use it with new information on current educational technology, such as web 2.0

(Solomon, & Schrum, 2007).

Learn as a Learner

I wanted to maintain the lab and keep it running properly, but I still have all the responsibilities

of a classroom teacher. I am trying to be efficient about using my time. I was able to get the lab

up and running by the 4th week of school. My colleagues have been very encouraging and

supportive. When I was trying to make time to get the lab up and running they came up with a

creative solution, of covering my class for me so I could take care of it.

Lifelong Learning Skills

I am continuing to learn how to encourage teachers by example, to explore more technology

resources. I will continue to look at ways to make it easier for the teachers to access these

technologies, such as putting programs on the Dock so that they are easily accessible by the

students and teachers.

Implementation of ISTE Indicators

TF-VII.A.5: “Utilize methods of installation, maintenance, inventory, and management of

software libraries” (Williamson, & Redish, 2009, p. 236). I have maintained and done an

informal inventory of the software.

TF-VII.A.6: “Use and apply strategies for troubleshooting and maintaining various

hardware/software configurations found in school settings” (Williamson, & Redish, 2009, p.

237). I have troubleshot and maintained the computer lab.

TF-VII.B.3: “Discuss and apply procedures related to troubleshooting and preventive

maintenance of technology infrastructure” (Williamson, & Redish, 2009, p. 237). I have had to

troubleshoot and maintain the computers.

TF-VIII.D.5: “Discuss issues related to developing a school technology plan” (Williamson, &

Redish, 2009, p. 240). My principal and I have discussed access and upgrades to the lab.

References:

Prensky, M. (2001). Digital native, digital immigrants: Part 1. On the Horizon, 9(5), 1-6

Solomon, G.Soom, & Schrum, L. (2007). Web 2.0:New schools, new tools. Eugene,

OR:International Society for Technology in Edcation.

Williamson, J., & Redish, T. (2009). ISTE’s technology facilitation and leadership standards:

What every K-12 leader should know and be able to do. Eugene, OR: International Society for

Technology in Education